Will You Help Provide a Service Dog to a Child?

This message just arrived in my e-mail tonight from PALS with Pawz, and the deadline is nearing ...

December 26, 2009

My husband Jeff is in the hospital since Saturday and will probably be there until Wednesday, so I am asking for some assistance in RE POSTING this letter.

A PALS with Pawz donor has generously pledged to match up to $10,000 collected between December 24th and December 31st. We have three dogs that were rescued from ASPCA Shelters, trained and are ready for their new families to go through the 2 week orientation. The donor did not put any restrictions on their matching funds, so we can assist 4-6 families that need Autism/Seizure Service Dogs. These families have tried to raise funds, but it is difficult.

I do not take a salary from PALS and it is run mostly with my Social Security. These children/adults need to raise between $3500-$4000 for their service dog. It costs PALS approximately $8-$10000 for the training, food, vetting, etc.

So PALS would like to challenge EVERYONE, Family Members, Friends, Church Groups, and Companies to just donate $10 or $20 dollars. This may not seem like a lot, however, it all adds up. So Far, we have gathered a few donations; and Ginnie Lerch has challenged everyone to give up a cappuccino or latte and send that money in.

You can either send the donation to PO Box 387, South Pittsburg, TN 37380; or use our PayPal: palswithpawz@aol.com.
It is tax deductible, won’t you help us help an Autistic child or A child with Seizure Disorders get their Service Dog and Companion, which would not only help the patient, but also gives their families peace of mind.

Thank you in advance for your consideration. Happy New Year,
Christine G.
PALS With Paws

How Service Dogs Started Visitng Nursing Homes

Did you ever think about how dogs got started being welcome visitors in hospitals and nursing homes?

I read the story a long time ago, and think it's worth sharing.

It seems there was a lady in her 90's who had always lived alone - except for her dogs. When she fell and broke a hip, her family and her doctors decided that she could no longer live by herself and she would have to live out her life in a long-term care facility. Her dogs were given away, her house and belongings sold, and there she was.

The lady stayed in her room and had few visitors, since family lived far away and by the time you're 90+ you don't have a lot of friends still living. She seemed to shrink and she refused to take part in any of the activities offered at the home.

Then one day a nurse, trying to get her to converse, asked about the calendar her friend had brought. She said something like "This calendar has beautiful dogs. Do you like dogs?"

The lady replied that she loved dogs and told the nurse how much she missed her own.

And that's how it started. The nurse thought it over, then went to the supervisor and asked for permission to bring her own dog in to visit the lady. The supervisor said she could try it.

From that day forward, the lady started to come back to life. The dog came once a week to visit and the lady lived for that day, but also started talking to other people and taking part in activities. And every time the nurse brought her dog, more of the residents came out to see her. They started buying treats to share and "dog day" became the most anticipated event of the week.

And from that small beginning - the practice grew. Thank goodness.

I don't know how many of my readers live with service dogs and take them out to bring comfort to others - but I want you to know I consider you to be heroes. I know the job pays nothing but satisfaction, and not many people can and will take the time to reach out in that manner. You have my admiration, and my gratitude.

Good news for military dogs

My friend Ken just forwarded me the link to this story...I think you'll like it:


Military Hospital Opens for Dogs Wounded in War